City greenlights three developers for Eastland RFP

CHARLOTTE – The city has chosen three developers to respond to a Request for Proposals on the redevelopment of the former Eastland Mall.

The three that made the shortlist – Charlotte-based Ark Ventures, Charlotte-based Studio Charlotte Development, and a consortium of Frank Martin, a local developer; the Los Angeles-based Film Studio Group; and Atlanta-based Winter Properties – were the only companies invited to respond to the city’s RFP, said Peter Zeiler, development and investment manager in the city’s Neighborhood & Business Services Department.

Those three companies, along with four others, responded to the city’s Request for Qualifications, which was due on Feb. 15.

All three companies chosen by the city will required to meet with members of the east Charlotte community to “elicit their input and discuss their priorities” at some point between April 1 and April 5, according to the RFP.

Ark, Studio Charlotte and the consortium have until May 30 to return their responses to the RFP. After the responses are returned, the city has until June 24 to select the response it deems the “best and final offer.” After that company is notified, the city has until July 12 to enter into negotiations with the selected business, according to the RFP.

Since the city bought the mall in August for $13.2 million, the plan has been to redevelop the 84-acre property for use by the film industry. All three developers on the shortlist have film industry experience.